Focus on what you love, rather than what you fear.  These are words that keep coming back to me, in this time since life became unrecognizable.  It’s not easy though. Not knowing is almost always worse than whatever we know.  When we know what will happen we can begin to make plans. Somehow that makes us feel more in control. Even if there is really nothing we can do to change the situation. Not knowing leaves us fretful, wondering if there is something we should be doing to prepare. Focusing on what we love will give us strength to cope and may well save us from guilt and regret in the future. It is easy to fall into fear. Paying attention to what we love will require a conscious commitment.

What are the things that stir within you positive emotions? What makes you smile, brings you joy? I am watching what people are doing right now to combat the anxiety and depression of isolation and fear. One family I know posted pictures of a walk in the woods, grandparents remaining 6 feel apart from the grandchildren. One grandfather I know is using Facetime for the first time, to interact with children and grandchildren he usually sees on a regular basis. My friend in Gulf Breeze is part of the Mask Sewers Group in Pensacola, making masks for health workers and others who need them.  And my minister colleagues and I are learning to use technology that many of us have ignored, because we thought there was no substitute for in person contact.  Our younger colleagues are teaching us a thing or two. Virtual Community is not fake community. It is community by a different medium.

Coronavirus is forcing me to learn new skill sets. Skill sets, however, that allow me to be in touch with and do what I love. It is also imposing time to reflect on what in life is of highest value to me.  It is hard to escape yourself with so much solitude. What are the creative ways you are finding to stay in touch with positive emotions?

In Love and Hope,
Rev. Alice